TALENTED young artists are being egged on to take part in a cracking competition at a North-East racecourse.

Redcar Racecourse is looking for creative youngsters who are quick on the draw and ready to help design the racecard for the Easter Monday meeting on April 22.

The challenge is to colour-in an Easter-themed racing scene, with great prizes on offer.

As well as having the honour of their entry appearing on the cover of the official racecard, the winning artist will also:

• Have a race at the Easter Monday meeting named after them
• Present the trophy to the winners of their race
• Receive a VIP family day out at Redcar Racecourse for two adults and two children, including a three-course meal, bottle of wine, admission tickets and racecards

The runner-up will have their entry printed inside the racecard and will receive four Grandstand tickets for Easter Monday. The third-placed artist will have their entry printed in the racecard and will receive two Grandstand tickets.

Last year’s winner was local seven-year-old Robyn Durdan, from Redcar, who showed real flair with her artwork only for the Easter Monday meeting to be cancelled due to torrential rain. However, Robyn and her family were invited as VIP guests later in the season.

Redcar’s general manager Amy Fair said: “Our Easter Monday meeting is always a very popular day out, so the winning entry will be seen by a lot of racegoers.

“We were very impressed with the standard of entries last year, and we’re hoping that everyone is going to do even better this time. You can colour the racecard with crayons, paints, felt-tip pens, or whatever else you want, as long as it looks great and you try your best.”

The black and white colouring template, showing an Easter egg jockey passing the finishing post, can be downloaded HERE 

Entry is limited to one submission per child aged under 17 and should be sent to Redcar Racecourse, Redcar, Tees Valley, TS10 2BY by April 12.

• Entrance prices for Easter Monday are £17 into the Grandstand (£14 for concessions) and £6 into the Course enclosure (£5 for concessions). Admission is free for accompanied children aged 17 and under. Gates open at 11am, with races between 2pm and 5pm.